Why Roku Matters
Roku isn’t just another streaming device—it’s the most popular streaming platform in the United States. With over 80 million active accounts and a presence in nearly 1 in 3 US households, Roku is where America watches streaming content.
If you’re building a streaming business and you’re not on Roku, you’re missing your biggest potential audience.
Roku by the Numbers
- 80+ million active accounts
- #1 streaming platform in the US by hours streamed
- Millions of channels available in the Roku Channel Store
- Built into smart TVs from TCL, Hisense, and others
- Available as standalone devices starting under $30
Who’s Watching on Roku?
Cord-Cutters
Viewers who’ve left cable TV and now rely entirely on streaming. They’re actively looking for new channels and content.
Cord-Nevers
Younger audiences who never subscribed to cable. Streaming is their default.
Supplement Streamers
Viewers who have cable but also use Roku for additional streaming options.
Benefits of a Roku Channel
Discoverability
The Roku Channel Store is a discovery engine:
- Viewers browse categories looking for new content
- Search functionality helps people find niche channels
- “Featured” and “New” sections highlight channels
- Roku’s recommendation engine suggests relevant channels
Living Room Experience
Roku puts your content on the biggest screen in the house:
- Big-screen viewing for immersive experiences
- Family/group watching
- Remote-friendly navigation
- The “real TV” feel that elevates your brand
Monetization Options
Roku supports multiple revenue models:
- Subscription channels
- Ad-supported free channels
- Transactional purchases
- Hybrid models
Credibility
Having a Roku channel signals professionalism:
- “We’re on Roku” carries weight with audiences
- Perceived as a “real” streaming service
- Standing alongside major networks in the channel store
Building Your Roku Channel with Bamboo Cloud
Step 1: Content Preparation
- Upload your video library to Bamboo Cloud
- Organize content into categories
- Set up metadata, thumbnails, and descriptions
Step 2: Channel Configuration
- Set your channel name and branding
- Configure navigation and layout
- Bamboo Cloud’s unified setup means your Roku channel matches your web and mobile experience
Step 3: Monetization Setup
- Choose your revenue model
- Configure pricing and access levels
- Set up payment integration
Step 4: Submission and Approval
- Submit to Roku for review
- Roku reviews for technical compliance and content guidelines
- Once approved, your channel goes live in the Roku Channel Store
Roku Channel Best Practices
Content Organization
- Clear categories viewers can browse with a remote
- Featured content that rotates regularly
- “Continue Watching” for returning viewers
- New content highlighted prominently
10-Foot UI Design
TV interfaces need to be readable from across the room:
- Large text and thumbnails
- Simple navigation (up, down, left, right, select)
- Minimal typing requirements
- Clear visual hierarchy
Regular Updates
- Fresh content keeps viewers returning
- Push notifications for new releases
- Seasonal content rotations
Launch Your Roku Channel
Bamboo Cloud makes Roku channel deployment simple—part of our unified OTT platform that also includes iOS, Android, Fire TV, and Apple TV. One platform, every screen.
Build your Roku channel with Bamboo Cloud
